What is an artist statement?

In short, an artist statement is a description of your current work or series. It may be a few sentences to a few paragraphs, but its goal is to clearly communicate what your work is and to invite your audience to learn more about your artwork. There is no one-size-fits-all method, but your statement should reflect your artistic vision.
​

Writing your Statement

Identify who you are as an artist, what your art is, & why you make it. Reflect on your work and what you consider to be its most important aspects. What is your style, and which techniques do you use? What are you influenced by? Take time to brainstorm by jotting down the things that come to mind.
When you are ready to begin writing your statement, consider who your audience is and what they need to know most. Write with clear and concise language. Your statement should be accessible.
Don’t end with your first draft . Ask a few friends and peers to review it, and gather their feedback. Were they able to understand your entire statement? What words or phrases seem to resonate with them? Work your statement until it represents your work and communicates your vision accurately.
Consider creating two or three artist statements of different lengths. Many artists have a full statement and a condensed statement to use in different scenarios. You may use several paragraphs on your website, but a gallery may ask you to use just a few sentences for a exhibition press release. 
​

Tips

• Artist statements are typically written in first person.
• Artist statements are focused on your current body of work.
• Artist statements are not artist bios. Personal facts or achievements are unnecessary.

Learn more about writing artist statements and other business skills for artists through Springboard for the Arts’ FREE toolkit.
​

Download Printable PDf of webpage

Visit Springboad for the Arts